Rex surprised’ by demotion

Reed Schreck

Thursday

Sep 27, 2007 at 12:01 AMSep 27, 2007 at 9:14 PM

When he got the news that Brian Griese would take his job as the Chicago Bears’ starting quarterback, Rex Grossman said he was “frustrated.” But, at the same time, I have a job to do and will continue to prepare like I’m starting. Just be ready if needed.”

One short word was all Rex Grossman had to say about his demotion.

“No,” he said without hesitation after practice Wednesday when asked if the break will do him any good.

When he got the news that Brian Griese would take his job as the Chicago Bears’ starting quarterback, Grossman said he was “frustrated.”

“But, at the same time, I have a job to do and will continue to prepare like I’m starting. Just be ready if needed.”

Grossman said he wasn’t sure it was a business decision, saying, “I can’t really comment on (that).”

The news “surprised” Grossman.

“You just have to move on and realize at any point you could be out there, and if that’s the case, I’m going to play my best and get some rhythm going,” he said. “The frustrating part is I know the offense is close to getting a rhythm and clicking, and I just wish I could have been the one pulling the trigger.”

Grossman said he told Griese he had no hard feelings.

“I wish him the best,” he said. “I’m going to be right there on the sidelines helping him, and anything he wants me to do or if I see something on the field, I’ll tell him and do my job. Just be patient and wait for my next opportunity.”

Griese said he and Grossman had a good conversation.

“It’s a tough situation. I’ve been where Rex is. And I had a candid conversation about that with him, too,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for Rex and the way he’s handled it.

“I know it’s not easy. He has every right to be upset and angry. But he has no animosity, which I really respect him for.”

Head coach Lovie Smith said Grossman’s demeanor is that “he’s a team player.”

“Brian Griese was a team player in the second role for a long period of time. Rex is in that role. Is he happy with it? No. Of course, guys always like to start. He’ll be there in the backup role. You never know, you’re one play away from getting another opportunity.”

Lengthy injury list

The Bears’ injury list took Lovie Smith a while to rattle off all the names.
He wasn’t sure how those names will change today or by game time Sunday at Detroit.